(BLOOMINGTON) - The Affordable Care Act Volunteers of Monroe County invites the community to attend the second Affordable Care Act health insurance fair at the Monroe County Public Library on Wednesday Nov. 6, 2013 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The health insurance fair will provide education and guidance for people who have questions about the Indiana Health Insurance Marketplace (or sometimes referred to as the Exchange). The Indiana Health Insurance Marketplace was implemented as a result of the Affordable Care Act, the new health insurance law. The Marketplace is a new way to find quality health coverage. Insurance plans in the Marketplace are offered by private companies.

The plans cover the same core set of benefits called essential health benefits. No plan can turn you away or charge you more because you have an illness, known as a pre-existing condition. The plans must cover treatment options for these conditions. Plans cannot charge women more than men for the same plan. Many preventive services are covered at no cost to you. Children can remain on their parent's health insurance plan until they reach the age of 26.

Monroe County residents can attend the fair at no cost. Participants can meet with trained volunteers who will help them understand the fundamentals of medical insurance, explain the application and enrollment process for the Marketplace and learn about local resources available. The fair is not intended to enroll participants into a health insurance program, however they will be given information on where they can enroll.

The Monroe County Public Library is a partner in this initiative. In addition to sponsoring the events, they have provided information on their website about the health insurance fairs and general information about the Affordable Care Act at www.mcpl.info/healthinsurance. Information is also posted on the City of Bloomington Website at www.bloomington.in.gov/health.